Things to Do in Kassiopi

Barely 300 meters from the center of the village, this beach is one of the most attractive on the island of Corfu. It is excellent for both diving and swimming. Since the azure blue water is always sheltered from the wind, it is very calm. Most of the beaches are quiet sandy but there are a few pebbly areas. It is so well supplied with amenities that in the summer, and with the crowds, it feels nearly like a city. Beds and umbrellas can be bought or rented from the shops nearby. There are kiosks, cafes, taverns, and restaurants. Some excellent accommodation options also line the beach.

Kassiopi was established and the location of a Temple of Zeus, or Jupiter, from antiquity. Sometime in the 5th century the temple was converted into a Christian Church. In the Middle Ages this was the most famous church on the island. In the 16th century, the invading Turkish army burned that church to the ground. Half a century later, a new church was built on the same spot; this one had altars for both Catholic and Protestant worshippers. The church is supposed to be a site of miracle; On the 8th of May, in 1530, It is said that a blind man was healed, and his sight was restored to him. The church is open to visitors today, and has a rich collection of iconography. 

Before the Venetian era, 3 castles guarded the island of Corfu. This was one of them. The Kassiopi Castle is one of the most imposing buildings in the Ionian Islands.The castle seems to date from the early Byzantine period, between the 4th and 7th centuries AD. Definitions destroy the castle in the 14th century; which made it very easy for Turkish forces to attack the island of Corfu in the 16th and 18th centuries. Local folk tales speak of fire breathing dragons that live in the castle - this is like an early historical account of gunpowder. Abandoned for centuries the castle is now a collection of ancient ruins; in a way, this has been better for its mystique and its story. Located in the middle of the Kassiopi village, the castle is easy to find, and very fun to explore.

It seems as though this bar can do no wrong. Cozily tucked away somewhere between the Main Street and the harbor, the bar has perfected the art of making people fall in love with it. It has a lovely balcony. The cocktails are brilliant. During the day a sports fan can spend hours with his gaze fixed on the TV. At nights there maybe karaoke or live music or quizzes. The staff is incredibly welcoming. The drinks and food are very reasonably priced. There really is nowhere else in the village where most people would rather spend the evening.

Usually, the beaches at Kassiopi are noisy with tourists, especially during peak seasons. Not so at this beach. Clean with pebbled floor, and a beautiful cove, the beach is much loved for its tranquility. The water is shallow enough for children to safely frolic around in it. There are two rows of sunbeds on the beach, a tavern, and a toilet. Near the area of the cliffs, you can even have some fun snorkeling. At night the beach is perfect for stargazing.

Even though this page is not widely known among tourists, it has received the Blue Flag certification, which is given out to only the most excellent of beaches. The ground is pebbly, and the water is very clear. Furthermore, a north wind keeps the beach cool even on hot days. There are a couple of taverns nearby. Sunbeds are made available, as are showers, toilets and changing rooms. Sailing and boating are common activities in the water.

If you must walk away with a souvenir of your time in Kassiopi, let it be a piece of lace-craft from this excellent, iconic store. The mother and daughter duo are talented weavers. Agathi herself has been weaving since the 1970s, and has run a successful shop ever since. For forty years and counting her craft has delighted tourists and locals alike. And if you can spare the time, ask her where her son's store might be - he's a talented woodcarver!